Shepherd Hill AP classes see surge in enrollment

Friday

Aug 30, 2013 at 6:00 AM

By Debbie LaPlaca, CORRESPONDENT

DUDLEY — A new partnership between Shepherd Hill Regional High School and the Massachusetts Math & Science Initiative has nearly tripled enrollment in advanced placement courses by opening the rigorous program to a wider range of students.

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee recently signed an agreement with MMSI to expand its advanced placement courses, student participation and program results.

At a recent school committee meeting, John A. Smolenski, of MMSI, said the program opens up the AP opportunity to students who otherwise wouldn't consider it and "moves them up academically."

The program's goals are to increase access to mathematics, science and English AP courses; improve student performance on the year-end national exam; and strengthen college readiness.

Successful completion of the challenging courses also aids students with college admissions, freshman performance and second-year retention.Those who score above average or higher on the year-end exam earn college credits.

Calling the 190 percent increase in enrollment "amazing," Mr. Smolenski said, "You opened the door to a wider range of students to take advantage of the most rigorous content in advanced placement."

Shepherd Hill offers AP courses in biology, calculus, chemistry, English, physics, Spanish, statistics and U.S. History. The courses are predominately offered to Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. Grade 10 students who have completed Algebra 2 are eligible to take advanced placement statistics.

A goal for Principal Mary A. Pierangeli this year was to increase AP course enrollment by 10 percent. Her work with MMSI has increased the 126 course enrollments of last year to 366 this fall.

"Students will gain a stronger foundation and confidence in their academic abilities, leading to greater success in college, and in the case of underclassmen, their remaining years in high school," Ms. Pierangeli said in an interview.

MMSI representatives spent two days at the high school visiting teachers and students to promote the program and enrollment.

MMSI sponsored 11 teachers for three weeks of professional development training at Bridgewater State University this summer.

"Teachers were provided with outstanding professional development that will serve to improve the learning of all students, not just the advanced placement students," Ms. Pierangeli said.

Massachusetts was one of six states selected to participate in a federal program led by National Math and Science to address declines in math and science education in the United States.

Mass Insight Education partnered the Commonwealth and private funders in developing the $30 million MMSI initiative to prepare students for college and career success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM.

Last year, about 8,000 students from more than 60 high schools were enrolled in the MMSI program, which funds all phases of AP courses, from teacher professional development to Saturday student study sessions.

Formerly, all program costs were borne by the MMSI. Superintendent of Schools Sean M.Gilrein reported in February that for the first time, MMSI was seeking subsidiary funds from its member schools. For Dudley-Charlton, that amount is $20,000.

Ms. Pierangeli said the fee is small compared to the educational and financial returns. MMSI is investing $92,026 for teacher training, stipends, Saturday study sessions for students, advanced placement exam fees,curriculum equipment and supplies.

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